Phosphorus Workshop to Focus on Protecting Michigan Waters
Phosphorus Workshop to Focus on Protecting Michigan Waters
5/6/08
Contact: Laura Probyn
517-432-1555, ext. 171
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The old adage “too much of a good thing” applies well to phosphorus and its impact on lakes and streams. Strategies for reducing phosphorus in Michigan watersheds will be the topic of a July 10 workshop beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Michigan State University (MSU) Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
Collaborative Solutions for Reducing Phosphorus in Agricultural and Urban Watersheds” is aimed at representatives from the public and private sectors as well as individuals interested in reducing phosphorus in lakes, streams and groundwater.
Presentations will highlight best management practices for phosphorus reduction. Speakers will discuss recommendations from a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Phosphorus Policy Advisory Committee report and initiate plans to implement several of the recommendations.
The committee identified major sources of phosphorus, reviewed voluntary and regulatory management approaches, and developed findings and recommendations. Its final report, including 32 recommendations on actions to address the problem, was released in 2007. In addition to regulatory changes, many of the recommendations deal with the formation and implementation of incentive and voluntary programs, education and technical assistance, community education and monitoring.
Several committee members will give presentations. State Sen. Patty Birkholz and MSU Extension director Tom Coon will provide introductory remarks. Experts on technical and policy issues concerning phosphorus will also be available throughout the event. Jody Pollok-Newsom, host of the Michigan Farm & Garden TV Show and executive director of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Corn Growers Association, will serve as moderator.
The registration fee is $50 before June 30 and $60 after that date ($35 for students). The fee covers lunch and all handouts. An agenda and more information are available online at: www.iwr.msu.edu/events/PConference.
For further information or a copy of the brochure, contact the conference coordinator, Allen Krizek, MSU Extension liaison, at 517-373-9813 or krizek@msu.edu.
“Collaborative Solutions for Reducing Phosphorus in Agricultural and Urban Watersheds” is sponsored by the MSU Water Team, MSU Extension, the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and the Institute of Water Research at MSU; the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, and the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service Great Lakes Regional Water Program.
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